Do you know how much French Bulldogs cost? Surely, these dogs are expensive, right? If you are a fan of the breed and want to know more about the French Bulldog price, you’re on the right page.
Generally, the French Bulldog price is dependent on several factors, such as the type of French Bulldog, its age, and whether you’re looking for a show-quality canine or just a family pet.
But note that these are only part of the equation. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about what makes up the cost of a French Bulldog — from its initial purchase price to annual upkeep costs. Read on!
How Much Does a French Bulldog Puppy Cost?
French Bulldog puppies vary in price depending on many factors like quality, coat color, and age. Usually, pet-quality French Bulldog puppies are sold for as low as $1,500, while show-quality ones can cost up to $10,000 or more. That said, a good estimate of the Frenchie price is $2,500 to $5,000.
While puppy mills can get away with selling their dogs for extremely low prices, reputable breeders will not barter their puppies below market prices.
The reason behind this is simple: many factors go into the actual French Bulldog price. These factors include breeding stock, registration in kennel clubs, genetic tests, and health certifications.
You may also encounter a reputable breeder that uses artificial insemination to breed their dogs, as many French Bulldogs are unable to reproduce naturally.
This process can significantly drive up the total of your purebred Frenchie puppy purchase.
All things considered, however, coat color is probably the most important factor affecting a Frenchie pup’s price tag.
The table below summarizes the differences in French Bulldog prices based on coat color:
Color Type | Price Range |
Black (Brindle, Pied, Tan) | $1,500 – $5,000 |
Red (Pied, Fawn) | $1,500 – $5,000 |
(Blue, Lilac) Fawn | $1,500 – $5,000 |
(Red, Blue, Lilac) Sable | $1,500 – $5,000 |
Cream, Blue (Brindle, Tan, Pied), Lilac, White | $2,500 – $6,000 |
Merle (Black, Blue), Choco Tan, Lilac Tan | $3,000 – $8,000 |
Merle (Tan, Lilac) | $4,500 – $10,000 |
Platinum, Isabella | $6,000 – $30,000 |
As you can see, the most expensive French Bulldog is the one sporting unusual pigments on its coat. Still, always be wary since many dishonest breeders out there will try to sell you a “rare” Frenchie at an inflated price.
Overall, French Bulldog puppies from reputable breeders who are members of the American Kennel Club (AKC) will be held to a higher standard and be pricier. But nothing beats owning a puppy that’s guaranteed to be healthy.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a French Bulldog From a Shelter?
Given the fact that the French Bulldog is such a popular breed, it’s no shock that they’re one of the most expensive breeds in the world as well. Luckily for those on a budget, a Frenchie can be adopted for about $150 to $1,000.
The adoption cost of a Frenchie covers fees for spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping. One benefit of adopting French Bulldog puppies is that they are often already socialized and house-trained.
Therefore, if you find the average price of a French Bulldog puppy from a breeder too high or overwhelming, consider looking into adopting at an animal shelter or rescue organization near you.
I once rescued a brindle French Bulldog, Brianna, from another breeder who was financially challenged at that time and couldn’t take care of the dog any further. I got Brianna for an adoption fee of just about $200, but I had to spend a lot on medical and rehabilitation expenses.
She started out with a lot of rashes and was very reserved with people. It took Brianna several months to recover from her condition completely, but she eventually transformed into a very healthy, sociable, and friendly dog.
First-Time Expenses of French Bulldog Ownership
As with other dog breeds, French Bulldog puppies have their own set of first-time expenses. These costs are unavoidable and can be quite costly, depending on your lifestyle and how much you want to pamper your pooch.
Regardless, there’s no excuse for failing to plan for these expenses beforehand. If you’re thinking about getting a dog, it’s important to know what you can expect in terms of initial costs.
Here’s a list of all the first-time expenses associated with French Bulldog ownership:
- Food and Treats: For newbie owners of French Bulldogs, it can be a bit of a shock to discover how much money is required to keep these dogs well-fed. The average cost per month for high-quality dog food is $30 to $80.
- Bowls: Ideally, buying food and water bowls should be done before your French Bulldog arrives at your home. You can find these in any pet shop or online store. As far as the cost goes, it ranges from $10 to $30 for each set.
- Toys: Because the Frenchie dog breed is at risk of getting bored and destructive, you should ensure that your puppy has plenty of toys. A good set of durable, chew-proof toys can be purchased for around $20 to $30.
- Beds: French Bulldogs are predisposed to elbow and hip dysplasia, so it’s necessary that they have a dog bed that’s comfortable for them. Anticipate paying between $30 and $200 for a dog bed, depending on the brand and quality.
- Collars and Leashes: A good collar and leash set is an important accessory for your French Bulldog. This will help you identify your dog easier from afar. Expect to shell out $15 to $50 for a set of collars and leashes.
- Crates and Carriers: Like other dogs, the French Bulldog requires a crate or carrier for transportation and for when you are away from home. The cost of these items will usually range anywhere from $30 to $200.
- Grooming Essentials: While your Frenchie puppy comes in a short, smooth coat, it’s still important to have a grooming kit for maintenance. Some items that are necessary for grooming your pet include a brush, a comb, clippers and blades, and dog shampoo. These can cost roughly $50 to $150.
- Initial Vet Visits: In the first year of owning a French Bulldog, expect to spend around $100 to $500 on vet visits alone. That’s because puppies are prone to respiratory problems, requiring frequent check-ups.
- Initial Vaccine Shots: Dogs, especially Frenchies, have many shots that need to be administered during their first few months of life, including shots for distemper and kennel cough. The average cost for these vaccinations is $50 to $300.
- Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: If your French Bulldog puppy has not been dewormed or treated for fleas, ticks, and other parasites, it will be essential to purchase these medications. Budget $40 to $300 for these.
- Neutering or Spaying: Not all French Bulldog breeders will neuter or spay their canines for sale. The fee for these surgeries can range from $50 to $500.
- Microchipping: Normally, microchipping is already included in the French Bulldog price. However, if it’s not, it will usually cost between $40 and $60.
- Dog License: Generally speaking, some states require a license for owning a dog, but it’s not always necessary. The price varies from state to state and can cost you approximately $10 to $20.
- Other Essentials: In the course of your French Bulldog’s life, it will need a few essentials, such as poop bags, pooch-friendly wipes, and other accessories. Expect to pay $20 to $50 for these items.
For easy reference, though, this table illustrates all the initial expenses of owning French Bulldog puppies:
Type of Expense | Cost |
Food and Treats | $30 – $80 |
Bowls | $10 – $30 |
Toys | $20 – $30 |
Beds | $30 – $200 |
Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
Crates and Carriers | $30 – $200 |
Grooming Essentials | $50 – $150 |
Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
Dog License | $10 – $20 |
Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
Total Initial Cost | $495 – $2,470 |
In most cases, Frenchie puppies sold by a credible French Bulldog breeder will come with a puppy starter kit that contains a dog crate, collar, leash, or ID tag. This can help cut down on the cost of buying these items separately.
Annual Cost of Owning a French Bulldog
Now that you have an idea about the initial expenses associated with owning a French Bulldog puppy, let’s look at how much money you will spend on an annual basis.
Most of the time, these annual expenses, when split into months, will be much less than the initial costs for Frenchies. This is because you already own most of the things that are needed to care for your dog.
However, it should be noted that some expenses are going to be recurring throughout your puppy’s life, meaning they can add up quickly if not planned properly.
In order to get you started, the following table illustrates the annual cost of owning French Bulldogs:
Type of Expense | Yearly Estimate |
Food and Treats | $240 – $800 |
Routine Veterinary Care | $200 – $600 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $150 – $400 |
Vaccinations | $100 – $250 |
Grooming Essentials | $100 – $300 |
Leashes and Collars | $20 – $40 |
Beds and Crates | $100 – $400 |
Toys | $25 – $100 |
Pet Insurance | $500 – $600 |
Other Essentials | $30 – $50 |
Yearly Total | $1,465 – $3,540 |
Average Monthly Cost | $122 – $295 |
Based on the table above, it’s evident that owning a French Bulldog can be very expensive in terms of upfront costs and annual expenses alike. If you consider its 14-year lifespan, its lifetime cost is nearly $20,510 to $49,560.
Even so, this is one investment that will yield great rewards. This dog breed’s love for its owners is unmatched, and its loyalty is second to none.
Below is also a clip of an owner discussing expenses related to French Bulldog ownership:
Other Potential Expenses to Consider
While the high price tag of French Bulldogs is already enough to make most dog lovers sigh, there are still other potential expenses to be considered. Sadly, some of these costs may be unexpected and may put a strain on your budget.
The following list provides potential expenses that may be associated with French Bulldog ownership:
- Emergency Vet Bills: As with other dogs, French Bulldogs can develop health issues that are costly to treat, such as hip dysplasia and brachycephalic syndrome. Emergency vet bills are always a possibility, so be prepared to set aside $1,000 to $5,000 every year for potential emergency care.
- Daycare Services: If you’re going to be away from your Frenchie for more than eight hours during the day, you may want to look into hiring a daycare service. It can be costly, averaging between $10 and $25 per day, but it is worth it for your dog’s safety while you’re away.
- Professional Training Classes: Similar to other breeds, French Bulldog puppies can be trained to be well-behaved and amiable. However, this requires time and patience on the part of the owner. If you’re unwilling to put in the effort, enrolling your French Bulldog in training classes is worthwhile. Private lessons cost you roughly $40 to $120 per hour.
- Dog Walking Services: Even though Frenchies only require moderate exercise, they still need to go out for walks at least once a day. For those that don’t have the time or inclination to do this, it’s possible to hire a dog walker. $15 to $40 is reasonable for this service.
- Kennel Club Registrations: If you want your French Bulldog to compete in AKC- and French Bulldog Club of America (FBDCA)-sanctioned dog shows, you will need to pay registration fees. These fees range from $80 to $200.
All in all, there’s no better way to handle these potential costs of French Bulldogs than to be prepared. The more you know about what you’re getting into, the better off you’ll be — and the happier your pup will be.
Best Places to Find French Bulldog Puppies for Sale and Adoption
If you still wish to own a French Bulldog after learning about the breed’s average cost and expenses, your next step should be to find the best places to buy or adopt French Bulldog puppies.
As with other dog breeds recognized by the AKC, French Bulldog puppies can be purchased from various sources. However, some offer better deals than others, so do your research before committing to anything.
Below are a few places where you can find a reputable French Bulldog breeder:
- AKC Marketplace – Since the AKC Marketplace is an official channel for buying and selling dogs, it’s a trusted place to find purebred newborn puppies for sale. All Frenchie breeders on this site have been vetted by the American Kennel Club, which means they meet the organization’s high standards for dog breeding practices.
- FBDCA Breeder Referral List – The FBDCA maintains a list of good breeders who have been approved by the club and agree to follow its Code of Ethics, which includes things like using breeding stock that has undergone genetic testing.
- Marydell French Bulldogs (MFB) – Nestled in New York City, Marydell French Bulldogs is a proud member of the AKC and has even received a Breeder of Merit certificate from them. MFB also guarantees that every French Bulldog puppy from them goes home with all required shots and is fully health checked before leaving the facility.
If neither of these options works out, maybe it’s time to consider adopting a French Bulldog puppy instead. After all, they’re just as cute and sweet-natured as those you’d buy from a reputable Frenchie breeder.
Here are some reliable organizations that may have French Bulldogs available for adoption:
- French Bulldog Village (FBV) – With tons of purebred Frenchies and Frenchie mix pooches available at FBV rescue, you are bound to find a dog that’s just right for your family. They also have a strict adoption process; therefore, don’t worry about getting stuck with a wandering pup that doesn’t fit in with your living situation.
- Chicago French Bulldog Rescue (CFBR) – CFBR is a volunteer-run organization that offers a variety of services for homeless and abandoned French Bulldogs. Their adoption puppy price starts at $850. However, note that this fee already includes spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.
- French Bulldog Rescue Network (FBRN) – Since its inception in 2001, FBRN has saved thousands of French Bulldogs from being euthanized in shelters across the country. Frenchie puppies and adults can be acquired from this rescue for $400 to $900.
Take note that some adult or French Bulldog puppies cost more than others, depending on the breeder, rescue, or shelter. Thus, you should check out all options before settling on one particular source of the French Bulldog breed.
Money-Saving Tips for French Bulldog Owners
Since French Bulldog puppies cost high and their maintenance is no less expensive, you have to find ways to save money. Doing so will help you in the long run and make owning a French Bulldog more affordable.
The following is a list of money-saving tips to help you keep your French Bulldog’s expenses under control:
- Look for deals and discounts. Before your excitement as a new French Bulldog owner gets the better of you, take a deep breath and do a quick search online. You’ll be surprised at how many deals and discounts are available on pet necessities.
- Train your Frenchie puppy yourself. Due to pro training classes being very expensive, it’s best to train your Frenchie yourself. Just search for free tutorials online and use those as a guide. You can always hire a trainer to help you with any tricky parts, but you’ll save a lot of money if you can teach your pooch everything on your own.
- Invest in pet insurance. Like other animals, the French Bulldog breed is susceptible to various health concerns, such as brachycephalic syndrome, dental troubles, and hip dysplasia. By investing in pet insurance, you can help ensure your dog will receive the treatment it needs without putting a strain on your finances.
- Learn how to groom your French Bulldog at home. Instead of spending hundreds at the groomers, learn how to do it yourself. There are tons of tutorials online that will make your French Bulldog puppy look great. This way, you’ll save money, and you and your fur baby will bond over a mutual love for grooming time.
With the money-saving tips listed above, the French Bulldog price tag may be reduced significantly. You’ll also be able to provide your dog with everything it needs, which is what matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are French Bulldogs Expensive?
The French Bulldog price is generally high because of these little dogs’ costly breeding process. French Bulldogs are notoriously difficult to breed, which makes getting them to the market incredibly expensive.
But to be specific, the reproductive process of Frenchies is often pricey because their naturally narrow hips make it difficult for them to conceive.
Breeders often have to use artificial insemination and C-sections to produce puppies, which in turn drives up the cost significantly.
Are Frenchies Expensive to Maintain?
Despite being categorized as a small-sized breed, Frenchies are not cheap to maintain and raise. They require frequent grooming and bathing, and their shedding fur can be a real nuisance.
When it comes to medical care, French Bulldogs are at risk for many common health issues. Whether it be skin allergies, heart conditions, or joint problems, they need regular health checks with their vet.
How Much Does a White French Bulldog Cost?
Although white is a standard color of the Frenchie dog breed, some breeders may charge more for white-colored French Bulldogs. The cost to purchase one can range from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on pedigree and other factors.
What Is the Most Expensive Frenchie Color?
In general, the most expensive French Bulldog color is Isabella. As a matter of fact, purebred French Bulldogs exhibiting such a coat typically sell for $6,000 to $30,000.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the French Bulldog price is not a cheap expense. From coat colors and sex to the type of breeder you go with, many variables will affect the final cost of owning this breed.
Furthermore, puppy prices vary greatly depending on where in the world you live. Some countries and states have more stringent breeding standards than others, which also impacts the cost.
But at the end of the day, a French Bulldog puppy is a great investment that can make you happy for many years. Whether it is worth the relatively hefty price or not will be up to your preferences.
Still, before you buy a Frenchie pup or any dog breed, make sure to do your research and consider the entire cost of pet ownership.
If you have more questions about the French Bulldog’s cost, drop them in the comments!